Oak Cash Box

When I was asked to make a cutting board with a ranching family’s brand and using wood from their ranch, the customer also asked for a cash box for her sister to use at the Farmer’s Market. I was given a dirty and rough piece of oak that had been in a barn for a long time. I made the box sides with it, but decided the top needed some help. I have some Black Oak with a little spalting. I seems to work. The inside dividers and coin slots are Walnut from the ranch and was left over form the cutting boards as are the miter keys. The bottom is some 1/4” luan plywood. I cut the scooped part for coins on the bandsaw and cleaned it up on the spindle sander. I borrowed the idea of a finger cutout from boxguy and others. Did that on the spindle sander. I put a small ogee edge on 3 sides of the lid, top and bottom and a bevel on the outside box edge. A couple of coats of Watco Danish Oil and it is done. It sure is nice to be out in the shop in beautiful weather. No heater, gloves, hat, or insulated worksuit.

Thanks, guys. Andy, sometimes you wait to cut into a board and once you do, it is easier to cut it again. I like the way the Black Oak darkened with Watco natural Oil. Off wood hunting tomorrow at the WoodSwap at Sacramento Woodcraft and then a few other places in the Central Valley. Lots of wood squirreled away by people. I plan to bring some into the light!! Ever seen Fiddleback, Curly Redwood Plywood-4’x8’ sheets?? I just hope I can afford it.

Robert, thanks for the mention. I like the design you have here. The curved tills are especially nice and should work well. That top is beautiful. You are really doing some nice work and the finish is great.

I know what you mean about not having to dress for a cold shop. Last week was my first shirt-sleeve day in the shop since October, and it was certainly welcome. Now I just wish it would stop raining long enough for me to cut my fields. Best of luck on your wood search. Keep boxing and keep posting.

Thanks for the nice comments. The guy who cut that Black Oak has given and sold some very pretty wood to me. We share an appreciation of wood!!I went on a wood ‘buying’ trip to Sacramento and Central Valley yesterday. I got some beautiful Big Leaf maple with burl clusters from Ira(Rustfever) along with a piece of bright orange/yellow Osage Orange and some Walnut. I went to visit 2 different retired teachers who do woodworking and looked over their work and wood stashes. One wanted to get rid of about 100 short Oak boards, most with a lot of unique color and figure. I was nice enough to take them off his hands. Now I have the problem of storing them. He threw in some old Osage Orange and Walnut boards-all for $10.00! State testing today at school or I might be tempted to stay home and play!